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latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudulent QR code stickers were affixed to approximately 150 parking meters in Redondo Beach's Esplanade and Riviera Village areas, directing users to a fake website (poybyphone.online) where they were prompted to enter payment and personal information. The scam, known as "quishing," has been used in multiple cities and can expose victims to identity theft and financial fraud; all stickers have been removed and authorities are investigating. Residents who may have been defrauded or scanned the fake codes are encouraged to contact the Redondo Beach Police Department.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A cybersecurity expert warned that major data breaches—including AT&T's 2024 compromises affecting millions of customers' personal information—enable sophisticated scams orchestrated by state-sponsored actors from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran who use stolen data for social engineering attacks. Victims lose billions annually to romance scams and "pig-butchering" investment scams (particularly in cryptocurrency), with one in four Americans losing an average of $500 to scams in the past year. The expert recommends monitoring for phishing attempts, using unique passwords with a password manager, and enabling multi-factor authentication to protect against fraud resulting from data breaches.
webcenterfairbanks.com
· 2025-12-08
Pastejacking scams trick users into copying and pasting malicious code into their computer's Powershell program through fraudulent emails claiming to be urgent OneDrive connection errors. If victims follow the instructions and paste the code, scammers gain access to personal data and install malware on their devices. Users should immediately delete and block any legitimate-looking emails requesting them to use Powershell or paste code.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI launched a new public awareness campaign called "Take a Beat" to educate the public about major fraud schemes, including impersonation scams (posing as banks or law enforcement), cryptocurrency investment fraud, grandparent scams using AI voice cloning, and recovery scams targeting previous fraud victims. One Bay Area victim lost $950 to a scammer impersonating a Citibank employee, illustrating how fraudsters exploit emotional urgency and personal information to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing passwords.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Singapore experienced a significant surge in scams from January to June 2024, with 28,751 cases resulting in SG$385.6 million (approximately $294.65 million) in losses—a 24.6% increase from the same period in 2023. Scammers increasingly targeted victims through messaging apps (particularly WhatsApp at 50.2% and Telegram at 45% of cases) and social media platforms (Facebook at 64.4%), using social engineering and deception to manipulate victims into self-executing fund transfers; notably, victims aged 65 and above suffered the highest average losses per incident, with government impersonation sc
androidauthority.com
· 2025-12-08
Phone scams are increasingly sophisticated and cost US consumers $2.7 billion in reported losses in 2023 alone, with numbers rising annually. The article identifies 12 common phone and text scams including the "loved one in need" (grandparent scam), government impersonation (FBI/IRS), and other fraudulent schemes that exploit emotional pressure and official-sounding tactics. Key prevention strategies include verifying caller identity through alternative contact methods, refusing to send money to unknown callers, and being skeptical of urgent payment demands, especially via wire transfers or gift cards.
muddyrivernews.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the Better Business Bureau's 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report, approximately 16.4% of children ages 7-18 have been targeted by scams, with social media being the most popular method scammers use to contact them, followed by gaming platforms, email, and phone apps. The article provides parental guidance on protecting children online, including monitoring their online activity, teaching them about personal information sharing, recognizing phishing attempts, understanding app permissions, and considering parental controls to help establish safe online habits.
mysuncoast.com
· 2025-12-08
Bradenton Police identified a social media scam where posts featuring missing or found children request shares; once the post gains traction, scammers edit it to include malicious links that can compromise unprotected networks when clicked. Police recommend sharing only posts from official, trusted sources such as government agencies, businesses, and known friends and family to avoid falling victim to this scheme.
techtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Shan Hanes, former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank, fell victim to a pig-butchering cryptocurrency scam and subsequently embezzled $47 million from the bank to fund fraudulent "investments," resulting in the bank's collapse and his conviction on embezzlement charges. Before stealing from the bank, Hanes had already victimized a local church, investor club, his daughter's college fund, and a neighbor in attempts to feed the scam. He received a 24-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to embezzlement.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Shan Hanes, CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank in Kansas, was sentenced to over 24 years in prison for embezzling $47 million after falling victim to a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam. Over eight weeks in 2022, Hanes transferred stolen funds from the bank, a local church, an investment club, and his daughter's college savings to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by scammers, ultimately losing all the money and causing the bank's collapse and FDIC takeover. The scheme devastated shareholders and community members, with victims losing 70-80 percent of their retirement savings and facing severe financial hardship.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece explains why telephone scams disproportionately target seniors over 60, accounting for more than 25 percent of fraud reported by this age group compared to less than 10 percent for those under 60. Scammers exploit seniors' ingrained etiquette behaviors (answering phones politely when they ring) and the telephone's familiarity as a lifelong communication device. The article provides practical defense tactics including not answering unknown calls, questioning callers, verifying government contact through independent channels, and recognizes that despite 2019 legislation requiring "Possible Scam" caller ID warnings, fraudulent calls remain difficult to stop due to provider circumvention of rules
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams have surged 900 percent since the pandemic began, with over 46,000 Americans losing more than $1 billion to crypto fraud in 2021 alone. Common scams include phishing attacks, Ponzi schemes, fake ICOs, and fraudulent exchanges that exploit crypto's decentralized and hard-to-trace nature. Consumers should exercise caution by only investing what they can afford to lose, verifying information through credible sources, using secure storage methods, and consulting state and federal watchdog organizations like California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. It is a cookie consent notice from Yahoo describing how the company uses cookies and personal data for website functionality, security, analytics, and advertising purposes. It does not contain information relevant to the Elderus fraud research database.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
McDonald's official Instagram account was hacked in August 2024, resulting in a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded users of approximately $700,000 (Rs 5.8 crore). Hackers posted a fake giveaway promoting free cryptocurrency and directed users to a phishing website designed to steal personal information and wallet credentials; the scammers later bragged about the "rug pull" before McDonald's deleted the post and resolved the breach. The incident highlights the risks of cryptocurrency giveaway scams and underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of digital currency offers before sharing financial information.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
McDonald's official Instagram account was hacked, and scammers used it to promote a fake cryptocurrency giveaway that directed thousands of victims to a phishing website, stealing personal information and cryptocurrency wallet credentials and netting $700,000 in Solana tokens in what became known as a "rug pull" scam. McDonald's confirmed the incident, apologized for offensive language posted during the hack, and stated the issue had been resolved. The scam demonstrates how compromised high-profile social media accounts can be weaponized to conduct large-scale fraud by exploiting users' trust in official brand accounts.
scroll.in
· 2025-12-08
A physiotherapist from Lucknow named Rose Jehan was trafficked to the UAE under false employment promises and enslaved by a Chinese-run cybercrime syndicate operating from Ajman, where she was forced to conduct investment scams against Indian victims while confined in an apartment with other trafficked women from South Asia. Working 13-hour shifts, she and approximately 100 other workers made 700-800 calls daily impersonating company representatives to defraud unsuspecting individuals, with Rose herself extracting Rs 500,000 from a retiree's life savings in one instance. The investigation revealed that the UAE had become a global hub for these operations, with thousands of
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
Back-to-school scams target families and students through multiple methods during the spending season, when families budget approximately $900 for school supplies. Common scams include copycat websites offering below-market prices, fake scholarship applications requesting upfront payment and personal information, fraudulent student loan forgiveness emails, and employment scams (such as the case of an NC A&T student who lost $2,400 after depositing a fake check from someone impersonating a university professor). Consumers should verify website security (https and lock symbol), research reviews across multiple sites, avoid unsolicited loan forgiveness offers, and use credit cards for purchases to dispute fraudulent charges.
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office warned residents of a phishing scam using fake SunPass toll text messages that claim recipients owe small amounts ($7.59) and threaten tenfold penalties to pressure them into clicking malicious links. SunPass only sends official toll invoices by mail, and legitimate charges can be verified and paid through the official SunPass website.
foxcarolina.com
· 2025-12-08
**QR Code Scams on the Rise**
The Better Business Bureau warned that scammers are increasingly using QR codes to direct victims to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, and malware downloads, with reports of fraud on parking meters, in emails, postal mail, and through romance scams impersonating utility and government officials. To protect against these scams, consumers should verify QR codes before scanning them, avoid scanning codes from strangers (especially those promising urgent opportunities), be wary of shortened URLs, and check for signs of tampering such as stickers placed over legitimate business codes.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Metro Detroit police report a surge in scam schemes targeting residents, in which perpetrators impersonate government agencies, tech support, or financial institutions to convince victims to withdraw large sums of cash or cryptocurrency. Victims are instructed to either hand cash to "couriers" or deposit funds into bitcoin ATMs, with one Northville Township woman in her 70s losing $300,000 through a combination of cash, bitcoin, and gold bars in summer 2024. Scammers keep victims on the phone to prevent them from seeking help and often direct them to multiple banks to avoid suspicion.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A GOBankingRates survey of over 1,100 Americans found that nearly 40% reported being victims of identity theft, financial fraud, or financial scams. The article identifies 14 common scam types affecting Americans, including phone scams (17% of victims), money transfer scams (12%), online shopping fraud, phishing, imposter scams, Social Security scams, debt collection scams, romance scams, and tax scams, along with practical prevention tips for each. No specific dollar loss amounts are provided, but the survey emphasizes that scams are widespread and offer guidance on how to protect oneself from each type.
wilsoncountysource.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are issuing warnings about a growing wave of QR code scams that direct victims to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, and malware. Common schemes include parking meter payment fraud, cryptocurrency wallet scams, romance scams, utility/government impostor scams, and phishing attacks via email or text. Consumers should verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unfamiliar sources, check for tampering on public codes, and report suspicious activity to the BBB or FTC.
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection released fraud prevention guidance for older adults, noting that financial exploitation is the most prevalent form of elder abuse. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crime Report, adults aged 60 and older lost at least $3.4 billion annually to fraud, with investment scams accounting for over $1 billion of those losses—a 38% increase from 2022. The agency advises seniors to recognize red flags in investment and reverse mortgage scams, conduct independent research before committing funds, and avoid unsolicited financial contacts.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Young adults ages 18-24 are increasingly targeted by scammers during back-to-school season, with this age group reporting a median loss of $155 per scam in 2022—higher than other age groups for the first time. Common scams include textbook fraud, scholarship schemes, and employment offers, which exploit college students' inexperience with financial transactions and life decisions. Protection strategies include verifying websites, using credit cards for purchases (which offer more protection than peer-to-peer payment apps), and being cautious of unsolicited offers and deeply discounted prices.
wwaytv3.com
· 2025-12-08
Election-related scams exploit voters' emotional investment in candidates and causes by mimicking legitimate campaign emails and phone calls to steal personal information, banking details, and donations. The Better Business Bureau advises verifying email links by typing official URLs directly into browsers, avoiding clicking suspicious links, being wary of pressure tactics, and researching organizations before donating or sharing personal information. Common scams include phishing emails with malicious links, fake surveys requesting Social Security numbers or credit card information under the guise of prizes, and fraudulent donation requests that divert funds to scammers rather than campaigns.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 GOBankingRates survey of over 1,100 Americans found that nearly 40% of respondents had experienced identity theft, financial fraud, or financial scams. Common scams included phone scams (17% of victims), money transfer scams (12%), online shopping fraud, phishing schemes targeting personal information, and imposter scams (7%), with the article providing prevention tips such as verifying requests through direct contact, shopping on reputable websites, and avoiding suspicious email links.
thecalifornian.com
· 2025-12-08
newschannel5.com
· 2025-12-08
The Tennessee Attorney General's Office warns that QR code scams are rising, including phishing scams that steal personal information, payment scams using fake codes in public places, package scams directing users to malicious websites, cryptocurrency scams, and donation scams impersonating charities. The office recommends verifying QR code sources, inspecting codes for tampering, using secure scanner apps, previewing URLs before clicking, avoiding unsolicited codes from mail/email/text, and keeping device security software updated.
calgaryherald.com
· 2025-12-08
An article detailing the author's personal experiences with various phone scams—including fake Amazon Prime warnings, impersonation of police, grandparent scams, and suspicious robocalls—while critiquing the ineffectiveness of the Do Not Call registry. The author notes that despite over 240 million numbers on the registry since 2003, scammers continue unabated because the list exempts political parties, charities, and surveys, and explicitly does not stop illegal calls. The piece highlights common scam tactics targeting seniors and emphasizes that the recommended solution of not engaging with suspicious calls offers limited practical protection.
williamsonsource.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are warning consumers about rapidly growing QR code scams, where fraudsters use QR codes to direct victims to phishing websites, fake payment portals, and malware-infected sites. Common scams include parking meter fraud, cryptocurrency wallet schemes, romance scams, utility impostor schemes, and phishing attacks, with victims experiencing significant financial losses and device compromise. Consumers should verify QR code sources before scanning, avoid codes from unfamiliar sources, check for tampering on public codes, and report suspicious activity to the BBB and FTC.
949thebull.iheart.com
· 2025-12-08
Members of The Bobby Bones Show shared personal experiences with various scams including credit card fraud, fake online job offers, rental listing scams, and catfishing schemes. Examples included a listener who gave her credit card to a stranger at her door, fake product sales (produce and a cat deposit), unauthorized credit card charges, phishing links, mall-based photography scams, and a 2010 catfishing incident where Bones was deceived by someone posing as a Guess Jeans model. The anecdotes illustrate common scam tactics targeting individuals through unsolicited contact, fake online opportunities, and social engineering.
sonomasun.com
· 2025-12-08
An 88-year-old woman lost $4,600 to a sophisticated scam that began with a fraudulent Norton AntiVirus email. After calling the number in the email, she was socially engineered into sharing a two-factor authentication code, which gave scammers access to her bank account; they transferred $4,000 to her checking account, then intimidated her into sending back $3,600 via Bitcoin and cash to an Uber driver. The article emphasizes the importance of verifying sources, never sharing sensitive information or authentication codes, consulting trusted individuals, and reporting scams to authorities.
tampabay.com
· 2025-12-08
A cybersecurity firm KnowBe4 discovered that a newly hired remote software engineer was a North Korean scammer operating through a U.S. laptop farm, exposed when the company laptop immediately began downloading password-stealing malware. The scheme involved multiple actors including a compromised American citizen whose identity was stolen, fake references with Gmail addresses, and inconsistencies in the hiring process that the FBI has linked to a known North Korean data-stealing operation targeting I.T. positions at American and British companies. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in remote hiring processes and the need for companies to implement stronger verification procedures, in-person interviews, and cross-referenced background checks to prevent foreign threat actors from infilt
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams increased 118% last year, resulting in over $70 million in losses, the FBI reports. Criminals use fake job offers and AI-generated text messages to steal victims' personal information and money. Job seekers should verify job offers directly with companies and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified employers.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams cost victims more than $70 million in the previous year, with the article noting a surge in the number of job-related fraud schemes. The summary does not provide specific details about the scam methods, victim demographics, or particular cases cited in the full article.
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
A widow lost $87,000 to Social Security Administration impersonators who contacted her two weeks after her husband's death, likely finding her through obituaries. The incident illustrates a broader crisis: over 8.68 million elder fraud cases occur annually in the U.S., costing victims an average of $20,015 each and totaling $113.7 billion yearly, with perpetrators increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and threatening language to exploit vulnerable seniors unfamiliar with modern technology. Several states are responding by passing laws that require banks to report suspected fraud, block suspicious transactions, and train employees to identify elder exploitation schemes.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
During back-to-school season, fraudsters employ multiple scams targeting families seeking savings, including deep-discount shopping scams on social media (offering counterfeit or non-existent brand-name items), textbook scams (selling fake or undelivered books at reduced prices), and financial aid scams. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to research sellers beyond social media platforms, use credit cards for purchases, avoid payment methods like gift cards and wire transfers, and buy from official retailers to protect themselves from losing money to these schemes.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
Trademark scams targeting applicants and registrants have increased significantly, with fraudsters using fake invoices mimicking the USPTO, unsolicited phone calls demanding immediate payment, and deceptive emails from purported trademark attorneys claiming competing registrations or trademark conflicts. The scams aim to trick victims into paying bogus fees by creating urgency around losing trademark rights, though the USPTO never sends invoices directly to applicants and legitimate communications go only to attorneys of record. Best practices include verifying all trademark communications with your attorney and ignoring unsolicited offers for trademark services or payment demands.
nbcconnecticut.com
· 2025-12-08
Following devastating storms and flash flooding in Connecticut, the Department of Consumer Protection warned residents to beware of disaster recovery scams, including fraudulent contractors offering low-cost repairs without contracts and fake charities soliciting donations. State officials advised homeowners to verify contractor credentials, insurance, and identification before hiring, research charities before donating, and watch for signs of water damage when purchasing vehicles, as scammers commonly exploit disaster survivors' urgency and vulnerability.
wmtv15news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns college students, particularly freshmen ages 18-24, about six prevalent scams: fake apartment listings (where scammers copy real listings and request deposits for properties that don't exist), fraudulent credit card offers targeting first-time users, identity theft (requiring regular credit report monitoring), fake scholarship and grant offers, and other schemes exploiting their inexperience. The BBB emphasizes the importance of verifying sources, researching offers that seem too good to be true, and protecting personal information to prevent financial and identity-related harm.
transylvaniatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Marlene Cronin of Brevard received a phishing email claiming she owed a $7.65 toll road charge with a $765 penalty, which she correctly identified as a scam after calling the unresponsive phone number. The article details the broader elder fraud crisis affecting seniors nationwide, noting that Brevard County's population is over one-third seniors and that scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics including emotional manipulation, AI-generated voices, fake emails, and impersonation of government agencies. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, cybercrime losses reached $12.4 billion in the prior year, with seniors particularly vulnerable due to social isolation, significant savings,
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an alert about cryptocurrency scams targeting consumers through investment schemes, impersonation fraud, and blackmail extortion. Scammers use phone calls, emails, social media, and dating apps to pose as investment managers, government officials, or love interests to trick victims into buying and transferring cryptocurrency. The Attorney General recommends verifying caller information independently, remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments, never sharing personal information with unknown callers, consulting trusted individuals before major financial decisions, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
Traverse Bay Farms partnered with financial expert Andy LaPointe to promote senior fraud prevention through his book "Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams." The guide educates seniors on recognizing and protecting themselves from various scams including door-to-door, telephone, phishing, social media, romance, and cryptocurrency schemes, while providing actionable strategies for internet safety, password management, and scam reporting.
rfa.org
· 2025-12-08
A South Korean court sentenced the leader of an international scam operation to eight years in prison for luring nearly 60 South Korean victims with promises of high-paying jobs and forcing them into fraudulent crimes in Laos and Myanmar, resulting in losses exceeding 23 billion won ($17 million) between May and October of the previous year. The scam group imprisoned victims in offices within special economic zones, confiscated their passports, and coerced them into illegal activities including voice phishing, investment scams, and romance scams while withholding travel and living expenses. In response to the escalating threat, South Korea imposed a level 4 travel ban on the Lao Golden
wftv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
During the 2024 election season, Charlotte residents experienced increased political calls and texts, many of which were scams rather than legitimate campaign communications. Equifax's Identity Theft Protection team identified five types of political scams targeting voters: fake polls/surveys, donation scams, impersonation scams, questionable petitions, and voter registration scams. Experts recommend not providing unsolicited information, avoiding pressure to act immediately, verifying directly with official sources, and deleting suspicious messages.
iid.iowa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies six common scams targeting Iowa storm victims: FEMA impersonation scams, contractor fraud (storm chasers), fake charities, insurance claim scams, phishing communications, and identity theft. The article provides preventative measures for each scam type, including verifying credentials, obtaining multiple estimates, researching charities through watchdog organizations, contacting insurance companies directly, and freezing credit. Resources provided include the Iowa Attorney General's Office, Iowa Insurance Division, and FEMA fraud hotline for reporting suspected fraud.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning about cryptocurrency scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, which exploit victims' unfamiliarity with digital currencies. Common scams include investment schemes promising high returns with zero risk, impersonation scams claiming account fraud or legal issues that can only be resolved via cryptocurrency transfer, and blackmail scams threatening to release compromising information unless paid in Bitcoin. The Attorney General advises Arizonans to verify caller information independently, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests, recognize that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment, protect personal information, consult trusted family members before financial decisions, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
One in ten South Africans fell victim to fraud in Q2 2024, with phishing attacks accounting for 28% of incidents, often involving scammers creating fake social media profiles and cloned websites that fool 53% of consumers into providing personal and financial information. Financial losses ranged from approximately R1,833 to over R18,329, though emotional impacts were often more severe, with 22% of victims requiring months to recover. Consumers can protect themselves by using tools like WHOIS and Google's safe browsing function to verify website legitimacy, while businesses can combat cloning by blocking fraudulent sites and filing takedown requests with hosting providers.
wccsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Communications Commission warns that college students face increased scam risks at the start of the academic year, particularly through scholarship fraud, fake tech support, and bogus rental/roommate schemes delivered via calls, texts, and emails impersonating legitimate sources. The FCC recommends students protect personal information including Social Security numbers and bank details, monitor financial accounts, and exercise caution with student loan information, as scammers specifically target borrowers.
cpr.org
· 2025-12-08
Real estate scammers are fraudulently selling properties they do not own, targeting owners with out-of-state addresses and free-and-clear titles. Sasha Henderson of Parker nearly fell victim to such a scam when she and her husband attempted to purchase 10 acres in Elbert County, but the title company detected suspicious emails and contacted the actual owner out of state, preventing the fraudulent sale from closing. Real estate professionals advise that buyers should always obtain title insurance regardless of whether they are paying cash, and should be cautious of remote transactions, as title companies are better equipped to identify fraud than third-party monitoring services.